Mississippi Public Universities recently launched a new resource for reporters to access subject matter experts when covering news and events in Mississippi. Housed in the online newsroom, the Experts Guide gives reporters a centralized portal to experts at the state's eight public universities.

"The online guide to subject matter experts gives reporters a one-stop shop to find someone who can provide background information, context and recent findings on the subjects they are covering," said Dr. Al Rankins, Commissioner of Higher Education. "It is designed to address the subjects Mississippi reporters cover most."

The guide includes experts on Mississippi's most pressing problems and the target sectors identified by the Mississippi Development Authority. These subjects include:

Advanced Manufacturing

Aerospace

Agribusiness

Arts & Culture

Automotive

Diabetes

Early Childhood Development

Economic Development

Economics

Food Quality & Access

Heart Disease

Homeland Security

K-12 Education

Mississippi History

Obesity

Shipbuilding

Tourism & Film

Unmanned Aircraft

Water Quality & Access

The Experts Guide is available online: www.mississippi.edu/experts and includes background information, areas of interest and contact information for each subject matter expert.

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The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.